Board of Directors

Keith Dempsey

PHD, LPC

Dr. Keith Dempsey has lived a lifelong commitment to creating more inclusive, equitable communities through his leadership, service, and scholarship. As a previous Associate Dean and Department Chair of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University, Dr. Dempsey drew from his experiences as the first African American to be tenured in the history of the University, to critically evaluate the impact of processes and resourcing within the system to expand the learning experience of students and the retention of distinguished faculty.

Dr. Dempsey brings 20+ years of professional experience to the Board, with prior service as a multi-systemic therapist at Self Enhancement Inc. and also as a clinical social worker at the Casey Family Programs. Dr. Dempsey's work to eradicate stigma and increase access to mental health services led him to develop substantial programs at the African American Health Coalition (AAHC) designed to combat physical and mental health disparities. Dr. Dempsey currently serves clients through private practice in Portland and conducts individual, couples and family counseling, with a specific focus on culturally responsive counseling.

Dr. Dempsey is the past President of the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Throughout his career, Dr. Dempsey’s leadership and service has been recognized with many awards, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Emerald Award for excellence in education; Portland Community College Social Justice Comrade Award; WACES outstanding leadership award; Martin Luther King Jr. lifetime achievement award; the Outstanding Service Award from the Oregon Youth Authority; and most recently, Oregon State University Black Achievement Award.